Pol Roger’s flagship Champagne named in honour of WWII British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill for whom the house was a favourite. The 2009 pours with a frothy white mousse that slowly morphs into a straw pale coloured base that’s threaded by a very persistent stream of fine bubbles. Heady aromas of baked bread, yeast lees, citrus, roasted almond, light pear and brioche sail though the nostrils. Rich, full and concentrated the palate also exhibits great finesse and complexity with a flavour profile of yeast lees, bready characters, cashew, citrus and subtle oily toast like nuances. Airy in its feel with a gentle creaminess, it finishes dry with stimulating acidity. Some roasted nut characters shining through on the long, powerful yet graceful aftertaste.